Parking meter



Dec. 24, 1940. H. H. LYSONS ETAL 2,225,549

PARKING METER Filed March 5, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 E z: INVENTORS.

9- 4 2] ATTORNEY Dec. 24, 1940.

' PARKI Filed March 3, 19557 NG METER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 206 2 INVENTORS.

HILTON H LYSONS may I. mwrr/wnr A TTORNEY Patented Dec. 24,

m'rrm'r ol-"rice PARKING METER.

Hilton 1!. L'ysonil and Norman A. Whittaker, Seattle, Wasla, asslgnors to Norman Specialty Company Inc., a corporation of Washington Application March a, 1937 Serial No.128,796

8Claims. (01.194-6) This invention relates to a meter for regulating parking of vehicles upon the public streets. Heretofore it has been found necessary to limit the parking period of vehicles upon public streets,

and particularly in the areas where great portions of the trailic are carried. This has generally been done by providing parking privileges of various duration, depending upon the trailic encountered upon the particular street. After limiting the time period of parking at particular places, considerable policing has been required to discipline violators of the various traffic ordinances involving parking.

Lately it has been suggested that a solution of the parking problem of vehicles on the more congested streets may well be taken care of by charging a fee for the privilege of parking for a predetermined period. This invention relates particularly to a meter which may be, used in regulating the parking of vehicles upon the public streets for a predetermined fee.

It is an object of the invention to provide a coin regulated meter which will visibly indicate whether a coinv has been deposited in the meter, and also will visibly indicate whether or not the time period, for which a coin has been deposited, has elapsed.

It is a further'object of this invention to provide a coin regulated meter wherein a coin of a predetermined value will operate electrical switch means which may be connected with electrically energized signal means.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a plurality of electric switch means arranged in parallel electric circuits toenergize a signal means so as to eliminate possibilities of error by a switch mechanism.

It is a further object of the invention to pro-, vide an electrical switch means wherein a coin of a predetermined value may be used as a conductor in the electrical circuit to a signal means.

It is a further object of the invention to provide 55 It is a further object of the invention to proof a predetermined value be inserted in the mechdetail hereafter) vide a mercury tube switch mechanism connected with an electrically operated parking meter.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a simple, efllcient and substantially foolproof mechanism which may be; economically 5 in the following drawings, the same being preferred exemplary forms of embodiment of this invention, throughout which drawings like ref.- erence numerals indicate like parts;

Figure 1 is a view inelevation, with the supporting pedestal broken away, of the outside of a meter constructed in, accordance with this invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is a view in front elevation of the device with the cover removed and showing parts in full lines and parts in dotted lines, parts being broken away;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged view in front elevation of parts shown in Fig. 3;

. Fig. 5 is a wiring diagram with parts diagrammatically illustrated and parts broken away;

Fig. 6 is a view in front elevation, with parts broken away, and parts indicated diagrammatically of a modified form of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a view in front elevation, with parts broken away, and parts indicated diagrammatically of a still further modified form of the invention; and

Fig. 8 is a view in front elevation, with parts broken away, and parts indicated diagrammatically of a still further modified form of the invention.

A housing lllprovided with a suitable support ll (broken away) serves to support the structure. A hingedly supported cover I2 is connected with the housing Ill. The cover I2 is provided with a glass covered sight opening l3, through which thecoin operating the mechanism may be visibly perceived. Another sight opening [4 is provided through which a dial for indicating the time period may be perceived (explained in more A locking mechanism l5 for the cover is also preferably provided. Signal means for indicating the operating condition of the mechanism are provided, such as a red light It, and a green light ll.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 3, which shows the internal structure of the meter, a coin chute i6 is provided through which a coin of a predetermined size may enter the machine. This coin chute I6 is connected with another coin chute l3. The coin chute I9 is electrically insulated from the.coin chute l6 by any suitable means,

such as by insulating material 20. A frame member 2|, formed of insulating material, is connected with the housing I6 and serves to support the various internal parts of the mechanism. The 10 coin chute l3 (formed of electrical conductive material) is supported by such frame member 2 I. Operatively positioned below the coin chute I9 is a pivotally supported pawl 22, which is formed of insulating material. Pivot means 23 supports the pawl 22. A spring 24 serves to yieldingly urge the pawl 22 in one direction toward the stop 25. The plate 26 formed of electrical conductive material is connected with a movable portion of the pawl 22 and serves in connection with the pawl 22 and frame member 2| as a coin receiving means. A coin 21 is shown in the coin receiving mechanism in Fig. 5 of the drawings.

The pawl 22 is preferably pivotally supported intermediate its length to provide the movable 25 portion 23 supporting the coin receiving plate 26 and another movable portion 23. A link (formed of electrical conductive material) is pivotallyconnected with the portion 23 of the pawl 22 and is slidably mounted in a support 3|. The so link 36 'serves as a coin blocking member for a second coin 32 (see Fig. 5) in the coin chute l9.- When a coin 21 depresses the movable portion 23 of the pawl 22, the outer end portion of the link 36 moves into coin blocking position relative 5 to a second coin 32 in the coin chute l3. Also when the spring 24 lowers the portion 29 and raises the portion 23 of the pawl 22, the outer end portion of the link 30 is moved out of coin blocking position relative to a second coin 32 40in the coin chute l3; A resiliently supported stop member 33 stops the downward motion of the movable portion 23 of the pawl 22, as shown in Fig. 5. In this position the coin 21 is held in the coin receiving means 26 and the link 33 serves 45 to block a second coin 32 in the coin chute l3 and engages the coin 32 below the center thereof, as shown in Fig. 5. An electrically energized clock motor mechanism 34 is preferably used -to predetermine a 50 time interval. This clock motor 34 is mechanically connected by worm 36 and worm wheel 36 with a shaft 31 on which is mounted a time indicating hand 33. By providing suitable ratio between the worm II and the worm wheel 33, one 55 revolution of the hand 33 may indicate a suitable period of elapsed time, such as 30 minutes. A pawl 33 is connected with the worm wheel 36. The position of the hand 33 is readily visible through the sight opening l4. Also the coin 21, so when in the position shown in Fig. 5, is visible through the sight opening I 3.

Referring to the wiring diagram shown in Fig. 5, when a coin 21 is in the position shown, resiliently supported switch blade 43 will be urged 65 towards the left and the contact points of such switch blade 4| and the contact points of the switch blade 4| will be electrically engaged. This will establish an electric circuit which may be traced as follows: Commencing with 'a suitable source of electrical energy (not shown) energy is connected with conductor 42, preferably through suitable fuse means 43, along conductor 44, along switch blade 4l, along switch blade 46, which is connected with the coin chute I3 75 (formed of electrical conductive material), thence along coin chute i9, along conductor 45, through green lamp 11, along conductor 46, through fuse 41 and thence to the other source of electrical energy 48, thus illuminating green lamp I1 and indicating the presence of a coin in the coin re- 5 ceiving member 26. At the same time electrical energy will flow from source 42 through fuse 43, along conductors 49 and 50, through coin receiving member 26 (formed of electrical conductive material), through the coin 21, through 10 switch blade 40, to coin chute I9. From coin chute. IS the circuit will be the same as just described through the green lamp I 1. Thus, two parallel circuits are provided illuminating lamp l'l. 15

The forward motion of the link 30 into coin blocking position relative to a second coin 32 in the coin chute l3 will serve to energize further electrical switches. The forward portion of the .link 30 not only contacts the second coin 32, in 0 the coin chute, but also contacts switch blade 5|, which is connected with the coin chute I 3. This energizes two further electrical circuits as follows: Commencing with source 42, through fuse 43, along conductors 49 and 52, along link 25 3|) (formed of electrical conductive material), along switch blade 5|, to the coin chute l9. Also energy along link 3|! passes through coin 32 and thence to coin chute l3. From coin chute l3 the circuit through the green lamp IT has been 30 previously described.

Thus, the presence of a coin in the coin receiving member 26 will energize two parallel circuits, and at the same time will project the link 36 forward, which in turn will energize another parallel circuit through link 3||.and switch blade 5|. If a second coin is present in the coin chute, a fourth parallel circuit will be energized through the second coin 32. It is further important to note that as long as the pawl 22 is in the position shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings, a circuit will be energized through the link 33 and switch blade 5|, regardless of whether or not a coin 2'! is in the coin receiving means 26. It is, of course, understood that the switch blade BI is alongside 01'v the coin chute l3 and does not block the movement of coins in said coin chute. Whenever the coin chute I3 is energized, as previously explained, from the source 42, the green lamp I! will be illuminated. At the same time the energy 50 which reaches coin chute l3 from source 42 will pass along conductor 53 to clock motor 34. As motor 34 and green lamp I! are in parallel circuit relation between conductor '46 and coin chute l3, energizing of coin chute 3 will simul- 55 taneously energize lamp l1 and motor 34.

Upon energizing of the clock motor 34, the worm wheel 36 will commence to rotate and the pawl 33 (formed of electrical conductive material for purposes discussed in connection with Figs. 6 and 8) will rotate in a clockwise direction. When the pawl 33 has made almost one revolution, the pawl 33 will engage with pin 54, which is connected with the pawl 22. Upon engagement of the pawl 39 with the pin 64, the movable portion 28 of the pawl 22 will be moved downwardly, compressing resilient stop 33 and releasing the coin 21. At the same time the movement of the link 33 inwardly against the second coin 32 is possible because the forward end portion of the link 30 engages the second coin 32 below the center thereof, thus causing the second coin 32 to rise in the coin chute l9. Also the second coin may rise in case of expansion due to variations in temperature. Preferably a pin 3 is 9081- 14 I tioned in the coin chute I! to engage a coin below the center thereof. The second coin 32 is thus supported by said pin 9 and the forward portion of link 30. Such pin 9 facilitates upward motion of the second coin as the forward portion of link 30 moves inwardly, or in case of expansion. The downward movement of the movable portion 23 of the link 22 permits the coin 21'-to -be released. This, of course, will in- 19 terrupt the electrical circuit between the switch blades 40 and 4t and'thecircuit between coin receiving member 26 and the switch blade 40. However, at this time the circuit to the reen light I! and the clock motor 34 is maintained through the link so and switch blade 5| until the pawl 39 passes beyond the pin 54.

After the pawl 39 passes beyond the pin 54, the spring 24 serves to return the movable portion 23 of the link 30 to the position shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. Upon reaching this position the link 30 electrically disengages from switch blade 5| and engages with switch blade 55. Engagement of the rearward portion of the link 30 with the switchblade 55 energizes an electric circuit 25 to the red light 16. This circuitmay be traced as follows: Commencing with source 42 through fuse 43, along conductors 49 and 52, along switch blade 55, along conductor 58, through red lamp "5, along conductor 45, through fuse 41 to the other source 48, thus illuminating red lamp l6.

Thus, whenever a coin is present in the coin receiving member 26, the green lamp I1 will be illuminated, serving as a signal means indicating a coin in said coin receiving means. On the other hand, when no coin is presentin the coin receiving means and the pawl 22 has been returned to its normalposition by spring 24, the red lamp IE will be illuminated, serving as a signal means indicating the absence of a coin in the coin receiving means.

The device thus provides a plurality of circuits which are established by the coin, so that sulficient electrical energy may be carried for the energizing of a lamp anda clock motor. It is true that the amount of energy thus required is very low, as most clock motors on the standard 120 volt circuit operate at substantially 2 watts, and the light globe which may be used for the signal lamp 11 may be a light globe consuming 7 /2 watts on said circuit. Still, it has been found in practice that it is necessary to provide a D111- rality of parallel circuits to insure against inoperative periods. Furthermore, contact problems are generally considered the most serious problems involved in switch mechanisms where the small weight of a coin is involved as a switch operating force. It has been found that this plurality of parallel circuits permits direct operation of the switch mechanism by a coin and a device 50 which will operate for long periods of time with- I out requiring servicing.

In a meter which is designed particularly for metering parking privileges, it must be remembered that the only purpose of operating the de- 65 vice is to leave a car at a designated place. In

I view of the universal practice of car license numbers, this means that the operator of the machine in effect leaves his name and address behind when he operates the device. This in itself elimi- 7 nates considerable problems usually encountered in coin operating machines, such as the deposit of slugs," etc. Of course, any coin or token deposited may be visibly perceived through the sight opening l3. However, to prevent unlawful 7U tampering and the attempted use of wires down the coin chute, we have provided an energized coinchute I9. In connecting the wires to the coin chute l9, it is preferable that the source 42 be the ungrounded source of electrical energy and the source 48 be the grounded source. Also 5 the housing III is grounded. Thus, if a wire is inserted in the coin chute l8, if the wire lsprojected into the coin chute l9, the fuse 43 will be immediately. blown out and the red light IE will be extinguished. Thus, the ofllcer or party 10 policing the apparatus on the streets will note that neither light of the device is illuminated and the person attempting such illegal practice may beapprehended.

Preferably a recorder 51 is provided to count 15 the number of revolutions of the worm wheel 36. In the drawings we have indicated #272 to indicate 2'72 revolutions. This recorder may be of any standard construction and provided with a rod 58, the reciprocation of which will operate 20 the recorder. A pivoted lever 59 supported on pivot means 60 provides anend portion 6! which is operatively positioned in the path of movement of the pawl 39. This serves as a check to determine the quantity of coins which should be 95 collected from the apparatus. 7

Referring to Fig. 6 of the drawings, a modification of the pawl 22 of Figs. 1 to 5 is shown and also a modification of the coin block member 30 and coin chute {9 are shown. In view of the 30 fact that only portions of the structure of Figs. 1 to' 5 are modified, only pertinent portions of the modified structure and wiring diagram are illustrated, and the rest are broken away. The

coin chute 52 (formedof electrical conductive material) supplants the coin chute l9 of Figs. 1 to 5. This coin chute 62 is shown at right angles to the coin chute 19 of Figure 1. The pivotally mounted pawl 22 of Figs. 1 to 5 is supplanted by the'pivotally mounted pawl 53 of Fig. 6. The coin blocking link 30 of Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive is supplanted by the pivotallymounted coin blocking member 64 (formed of electrical conductive material).

The coin blocking member 64 is pivotally sup- 45 ported on'pivot means 65 and is provided with a counterbalance weight 66 so that the end portion 61 of the blocking member 64 is normally urged across the coin chute 52. When a coin 69 is inserted in the coin chute 62, the same will 50 therefore pass by the coin blocking portion 63 of the member 54 and urge the end portion 61 to the right as respects the showing in Fig. 6, and urge the coin blocking portion 58 into coin blocking position relative to a second coin 19 which may 55 be inserted in the coin chute. The first coin 53 will urge the coin receiving portior. H of the pawl 63 downwardly against resiliently supported stop 12. The resiliently supported stop 12 functions similarly to the resilient supported stop 33 of 60 Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. A spring 13 urges the pawl 63 against the stop 14, similar to the action of spring 24, urging the pawl 22 against the stop 25 in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. When a coin 39 is in the position shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, the 65 following circuits will be established. Energy from source 15 will pass through fuse 15, along conductor 11, through-switch blades 13 (similar to switch blades 43, 4|, Figs. 1 to 5) along coin chute 32 (formed of electrical conductive material), along conductor 19, through green signal lamp ll (similar to lamp ll, Figs. 1 to 5) along conductor 3|, through fuse 32 to the other source 33, thus completing the circuit illuminat- 8 signal lamp 33. At the same time a parallel circuit is energized from source 15, through fuse 16, along conductor 11, along conductor 85, through plate 86 (formed of electrical conductive material), through coin 88. through one blade of switch blade 18 to coin chute 62, and thence through green signal lamp 88 to the other source 88, as previously explained.

At the same time, if a second coin 18 is in the coin chute 62, another parallel circuit will be energized as follows: Commencing with source 15, through fuse 16, along conductors 81 and 88 to the pivot means 65 supporting the coin blocking member 64, thence through the coin blocking member 64 (formed of electrical conductive material), through coin 18 to coin chute 62, and

thence through green signal lamp 88, as previously described.

The clock motor 84, worm 85, worm wheel 86 and pawl 88 are similar to the parts shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, and are therefore similarly numbered. The clock motor 84 is energized whenever the coin chute 62 is energized. Energy from the coin chute 82 will pass along conductor 88 to said clock motor 84, through said clock motor and thence along conductor 8i, through fuse 82 to the other source 88.

. The coin 68 will thus energize the green signal lamp 88 and the clock motor 84, thus causing the pawl 88 to rotate. When the pawl 88 rotates in a clockwise direction, and just about completes one cycle, it will engage the pin 84 connected with the plate 86. The resiliently supported stop 12 will be compressed, permitting the coin 88 to be released. As'long as the pawl 88 (formed of electrical conductive material) engages with the pin 84, an additional circuit is energized which may of the drawings.

be traced as follows: Commencing with source 15, through fuse 18, along conductors 11 and 85, along plate 86 to pin 84, along pawl 88 (formed of electrical conductive material), along conductor 88 to coin chute 82, and thence through green signal lamp 88 and clock motor 84, as previously explained to the other source 88. This circuit will be maintained as long as the pawl 88 is in engagement with the pin 84, irrespective of the fact that the coin 68 is released from the coin chute and the switch 1,8 electrically opened.

After the cold 68 is released from the coin receiving means formed in part by the plate 86 on the pawl 68, the pawl 68 will be returned by the spring 18, against the stop 14. This will cause switch blade 88 to engage with switch blade 8|. This will energize a circuit to red signal lamp 82 as follows: Commencing with source 15, through fuse 16, along conductors 81 and 88, to switch blade 88, along switch blade 8|, along conductor- 88, through red signal lamp 82, along conductor 8!, through fuse 82, to the other source 88, thus illuminating red signal lamp 82 in the absence of a coin in the coin receiving means and after the pawl 88 has passed the pin 88.

Referring to the still further modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 7, again portions are broken away in the interest of brevity, in view of the fact that such portions may be similar to the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, Here the coin chute is similar to the coin chute I8 of Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, and is therefore similarly numbered. Also, for the same purpose clock motor 84, worm 85, worm wheel 86, pawl 88, pawl 22, plate 26, switch blades v4| and 48, resiliently supported stop 88, spring 24,

ported on pivot means 84 positioned at one end of the mercury tube switch. In the position shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings, where a coin is not present in the chute I8, the pawl 22 is resiliently urged against stop 25 by the spring 24. In this position the following circuit is established through red lamp signal means 85: Commencing with source 88, through fuse 81, along conductor 88, along conductor I88, through switch II, which is closed because of the position 01 the portion I82 of the pawl 22, along conductor I88, throughred lamp signal means 85, along conductor I84, through fuse I85 to the other source I86, thus completing the circuit and illuminating red lamp signal means 85.

Another parallel circuit through the red lamp signal means 85 is also established through the mercury tube switch 88. Energy passes from source 86, through fuse 81, along conductor 88, along conductor I81, between the mercury in the mercury tube switch connecting electrodes I88, along conductor I88, along conductor I88, through red lamp signal means 85 and thence to the other source I88, as previously explained, thus providing two parallel circuits maintaining red lamp 85 illuminated, indicating the absence of a coin in the coin receiving means.

When a coin is inserted in the coin chute I8, the weight of the coin will pivot the pawl 22 similar to the pivoting of said pawl in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. The coin will close the contacts between switch blades 48 and U, completing a circuit which may be traced as follows: Commencing with source 86, through fuse 81, along conductor 88, along conductor II8, through switch blades 4| and 48, along the coin chute I8, along conductor III, along conductor. II2, along conductor II8, through green signal lamp means H4, along conductor I84, through fuse I85 to the other source of energy I86. This circuit will energize both the green lamp H4 and the clock motor 84.

At the same time the coin in the coin chute will raise the end portion I82 of the pawl 22, opening switch IN and tilting the mercury switch 88 so that the mercury will flow to the other end of the mercury tube switch 88 and establish contact between electrodes H5. This will establish the following circuit: Commencing with source 86, through fuse 81, along conductors 88 and I81, along conductor I I6, between electrodes I I5, along conductor I I1, along conductor I I8, through green signal lamp H4, and thence to the other source I86,v as previously explained. In the structure thus illustrated in Fig. '7, there has been shown two parallel circuits through the green signal lamp means II4 when a coin is present in the coin receiving means, and two parallel circuits through the red lamp signal means 85 when no coin is there present. The coin will be released from the coin receiving means similar to the mode of operation explained in connection with Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, and the circuit will be maintained until the pawl 88 releases the pin 54, as the mercury will maintain contact between electrodes II5 until the pawl 88 releases pin 54 permitting the pawl 22 and mercury switch 88 to assume the position shown in Fig. 7.

In the still further modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 8, the only parts which are ed over Figs. 1 to 5. inclusive, are shown somewhat diagrammatically and parts are broken away in the interest of brevity. Here the clock motor 84, the worm 85, worm'wheel 86 and the pawl 88 are similarly numbered to the similar parts shown in Figs. 1 to 5. inclusive.

The coin: chute H3 is similar to the coin chute 62 of Fig. ,6. A mercury tube m is pivotally supported on pivot means I23 substantially 'intermediate the length of said mercury tube. A coin eng g and coin blocking member I2l vis connected with said mercury tube I I9; The coin e and coin blocking member I2I is composed of a coin blocking portion I22, which is movable into and out of an opening in the coin chute II8. 'Ihe coin engaging and coin blocking member-HI is also provided with a coin engaging portion I23 which is movable into and out of coin engaging position relative to a coin in the coin chute II8. Stops I24 and I25 serve to limit the positions of the coin engaging portion I23 and partsconnected therewith.

When the parts are in. the position shown in Fig. 8 of the ,drawings, an electrical circuit will be established as follows: Commencing with source I26, through fuse I21, along conductor I28, along conductor I29, between electrodes I30, which are electrically connected by the mercury in the tube I I9, along conductor I 3 I, through red lamp signal means I32, along conductor I33, through fuse I34 to the other source I35.

When a coin is deposited in the coin chute I ill, the coin will engage with the coin engaging portion I23 and move the same from the full line position shown'in Fig. 8 to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 8. This will tip the mercury tube I switch H9 and the mercury will flow to the other end of the mercury tube switch and tend to urge I36, along conductor I38 to the coin chutel I8. From the coin chute 3 energy will pass along conductor I39 through green lamp signal means I 40, thence along conductor I33, through fuse I34 to the other source I35. Energy flowing along the coin chute II8 will also pass along conductor I4I to the clock motor 34, thus completing a circuit both to the'green lamp I 40 and the clock motor The mercury in the tube II9 will tend to hold the mercury switch in either of the two positions which it may assume. The coin will engage the coin engaging member I23 and pass directly thereby into any suitable means. When the coin engaging portion I23 is positioned in coin engagingposition relative to the coin chute I I 8, the coin blocking member I22 is out of coin blocking position.- After a coin has engaged the coin engaging member I23 and moved. the same to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 8, the coin blocking portion I22 will move to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 8, which is the coin blocking pofition relative to a second coin in the coin After-the 'crcuit has been established to the clock motor 24, the worm 33, worm wheel 36 and pawl 39 willmove imtil the pawl 29 (formed of electncalconductive material) engages-the portion I42 oonn'ected'with the supporting means for along conductor I42, along pawl 39 (formed of electrical conductive material), along portion I42, along conductor I44, to the coin chute H3, and

thence through the green signal lamp I40 and clock motor 34, as previously described. This circuit will be established until the pawl 39 passes the portion I42.

In this form of the invention the mercury tube a switch is used to energize the red signal means I32 and the green signal means I40, as well as the clock motor 34. An additional circuit is provided through the pawl 39 when the same engages the portion I42, thus maintaining the circuit until the commencement of the new cycle.

Obviously, changes may be made in the forms, dimensions and arrangement of the parts of this invention, without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment.

We claim:

1. In a device of the class described, a coin chute; a pivotally mounted pawl; a coin receiving means connected and movable with said pivotally mounted pawl, said coin receiving means being operatively positioned relative to said chute and.

movable and maintained by the weight of a coin out of a first position to a second position; means returning said coin receiving means and pawl to the'first position in the absence of a. coin in said coin receiving means; and a reciprocably mounted coin blocking member connected with said pawl and-movable therewith into the coin chute into coin blocking position relative to a second coin in said coin chute when the pawl is in said second position and movable out of the coin chute and out of coin blocking position when the pawl is in the first position. 7

2. In a device of the class described, a coin chute; a coin receiving means operatively positioned relative to said coin chute and movable by the weight of a coin to one position; an electrical switch means operatively positioned relative to said coin receiving means so its contact members are moved into electrically engaged p0. sition when said coin receiving means are in said one position; a second electrical switch means wherein a coin in said receiving means .functions as a conductor in establishing electrical communication across said second switch means; an electrically energized signal means for indicating the presence of a coin in said coin receiving means; and means establishing electrical communication with said signal means including therein two parallel paths established by said electrical switch means and said second electrical switch means. 7

3. In a device of the class described, a coin chute; a pivotally mounted pawl; a coin receiving means connected and movable with said pivotally mounted pawl, said coin receiving means being operatively positioned relative to said chute and movable and maintained by the weight of a coin out of a first position to a second position; means returning said coin receiving means and pawl to the first position in the absence of a coin in said coin receiving means; a coin blocking member connected with said pawl'and movable therewith into coin blocking position relative to a second coin in said coin chute when the pawl is in said second position and movable out of coinblocking position when the pawl is in the first position; an electrical switch means operatlvely positioned relative to said coin blocking member so that its contact members are moved into electrically engaged position when said coin blocking member is in coin blocking position; van electrically energized signal means for indicating the presence of u a coin in said coin receiving means; and means establishing electrical communication with said signal means including therein said electrical switch means.

4. In a device of the class described, a coin chute; a pivotally mounted pawl; a coin receiving means connected and movable with said pivotally mounted pawl, said coin receiving means being operatively positioned relative to said chute and movable and maintained by the weight of a coin out of a first position to a second position;

means returning said coin receiving means and pawl to the first position in the absence of a coin in said coin receiving means; a coin blocking member connected with said pawl and movable therewith into coin blocking position relative to a second coin in said coin chute when the pawl is in the second position and movable out of coin blocking position when the pawl is in the first position; an electrical switch means operatively positioned relative to said coin blocking member so that its contact members are moved into electrically engaged position when said blocking member is in coin blocking position; a second electrical switch means wherein said second coin in said coin chute establishes electrical communication across said second electrical switch means; an electrically energizedsignal means for indi cating the presence of a coin in said coin receiving means; and means establishing electrical communication with said signal means including therein two parallel paths established by said electrical switch means and said second electrical switch means.

5. In a device of the class described, a coin chute; a pivotally mounted pawl; a coin receiving means connected and movable with said pivotally mounted pawl, said coin receiving means being operatively positioned relative to said chute and movable and maintained by the weight oi. a coin out of a first position to a second position; means returning said coin receiving means and pawl to the first position in the absence of a coin in said coin receiving means; a coin blocking member connected with said pawl and movable therewith into coin blocking position relative .to a second coin in said coin chute when the pawl is in the second position and movable out of coin blocking blocking position;

position when the pawl is in the first position; an electrical switch means operatively positioned relative to said coin receiving means so its contact members are moved into electrically engaged position when said coin receiving means are in said second position; a second electrical switch means wherein a coin in said coin receiving means establishes electrical communication across said second switch means; a third electrical switch means operatively positioned relative to said coin blocking member so that its contact members are moved into electrically engaged position when said blocking member is in c'oin a fourth electrical switch means wherein said second coin in said coin chute establishes-electrical communication across said fourth electrical switch means; an electrically energized signal means for indicating the presence 01 a coin in said coin receiving means; and means establishing electrical communication with said signal means including therein tour parallel paths established by said first, second, third and fourth electrical switch means.

6. In a device of the class described, a casing member formed of electrical conductor material;

means connecting said casing to one conductor from a source of electrical energy; a coin chute formed of electrical conductor material; means connecting said casing to another conductor from a source of electrical energy; a coin receiving means operatively positioned relative to said coin chute and movable and maintained by the weight of a coin to one position; an electrical switch means operatively positioned relative .to said coin receiving means so its contact members are moved into electrically engaged position when said coin receiving means are in said one posi tion; an electrically energized signal means for indicating the presence of a coin in said coin receiving means; and means establishing electrical communication with said signal means including therein said coin chute as an electrical conductorand also said switch means, whereby conductor materials, as wires, inserted in said coin chute and engaging said casing member will provide a short circuit and inoperative conditions.

7. In a device of the class described, a coin chute; a movably mounted coin receiving member operatively positioned relative to said coin chute; a resiliently supported stop means tending to stop said coin receiving member in one posiv tion; electrically controlled means urging said receiving member past said resiliently supported stop means into another position and permitting release oi a coin from said coin receiving member; a first means establishing electrical communication to said electrically controlled means comprising circuit means established by a coin in said coin receiving member; and a second means establishing electrical communication to said electrically controlled means comprising circuit means established by engagement between the coin receiving member and the electrically controlled means.

8. In a device of the class described, a coin chute; a fixed coin blocking pin projecting into said coin chute; a reciprocating coin blocking member movable toward and away from said fixed coin blocking member and within said coin 

